Afternoon:
Program Registration, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the hotel conference room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program will be led by both the Group Leader and an Instructor, who is a professional photographer and naturalist and will lead the educational portion of the program. With our professional photographer and naturalist providing ongoing photography discussion and guidance, we will experience hands on aspects of field photography, all while learning about the park's natural history. All transportation will be on SUVs or small sprinter vans unless specified otherwise to provide better and easier access to areas for photographing amidst the large crowds. Be sure to bring your own water bottle. Water will be available on the bus during all field trips so you can refill your bottles; disposable cups will not be provided. Be aware that elevations in Gardiner and Yellowstone National Park range from 6,500 feet to over 8,000 feet. Staying hydrated reduces symptoms of altitude sickness. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Our instructor, a professional photographer, will conclude the evening by providing a introduction to Yellowstone through a presentation reflecting the rhythm of Yellowstone's changing seasons.